A nuclear radiation exposure compensation program is set to expire Monday, despite decades-long pleas from Idahoans living downwind of Nevada nuclear test sites in the 1950s to expand compensation to the Gem State.
Adopted by the federal government in 1990, the Radioactive Exposure Compensation Act, or RECA, provides financial compensation to people who developed specific cancers and other serious illnesses from radiation exposure during nuclear testing.
Only people who lived in parts of Utah, Nevada and Arizona, uranium miners, millers and transporters before 1971 and federal workers on above ground nuclear test sites were eligible for the expiring program.
Idaho downwinders are not eligible for compensation, despite Gem, Custer, Blaine and Lemhi counties being among the top five counties in the U.S. that were most affected by fallout from Nevada nuclear tests in the mid-20th century, according to research by the National Cancer Institute.
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Since last summer, U.S. senators have twice passed legislation that would expand RECA to other states, including Idaho. But the most recent legislation, passed in March, hasn’t advanced in the House of Representatives, even with support from President Joe Biden.
‘The fight isn’t over’: Idaho downwinders persist after Congress cuts compensation for them
The legislation, S. 3853, would add more parts of Arizona, Utah and Nevada to the program and bring coverage to downwinders in Idaho, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Guam. It would also offer coverage for residents exposed to radioactive waste in Missouri, Tennessee, Alaska and Kentucky.
“This is the closest we’ve ever gotten,” Tona Henderson, director of Idaho Downwinders, previously told the Idaho Capital Sun.
U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, has advocated for RECA expansion for almost 20 years, working alongside Republicans and Democrats as a cosponsor to S. 3853.
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“I am bitterly disappointed that Congress has not come to an agreement for at least extending RECA prior to the end of its current authorization,” he said in an email to the Sun on Friday. “RECA’s expiration will not mark the end of my efforts. I will continue to work with my colleagues to champion RECA and advocate for efforts to reauthorize and update the program to meet modern needs.”
The U.S. Department of Justice is accepting RECA claims until June 10.
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GENESSE – The Avista planned power outage for Friday, April 24 in Genesee has been cancelled and rescheduled due to weather. Approximately 337 Avista electric customers in Genesee will experience a planned power outage on Tuesday, April 28. The planned outage will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
All affected customers will be notified in advance. Traffic control will be in place from Laurel Street north of Chestnut Street.
During this time, Avista crews will be replacing aging infrastructure, including power poles and equipment, in the area. These updates are part of Avista’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and reliability of its infrastructure.
GARDEN CITY – A Boise-area girl is competing in the 2026 Junior Ranger Competition, and she needs your vote to advance.
Eleven-year-old Cali Lindsay of Garden City is currently in the top 10 in her age group. The first place contestant in each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will wrap on July 17.
The final round concludes on July 24. The winner will be awarded $20,000 and be featured on the cover of Ranger Rick Magazine. They’ll also win a trip with Jeff Corwin.
Cali’s mom, Emily Edginton, tells EastIdahoNews.com how the competition works.
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“You’re allowed one free vote every 24 hours. People can also pay (to vote),” Edginton says. “The contestants have challenges every week to learn about animals and share what they’ve learned. People vote for the answer they like best. If you have enough votes, you move to the next round.”
Cali needs to secure enough votes by Thursday in order to advance to the next round.
The competition is a fundraiser for the National Wildlife Federation, the largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization in the United States.
Edginton says they recently moved to Idaho from San Bernardino, California. Her daughter acquired a love of wildlife living in Lytle Creek, a community near the San Gabriel Mountains and San Bernardino National Forest.
“She’s already like a junior ranger. We picked up trash (in the forest) for fun,” Edginton says. “We try to keep it clean because we get a lot of visitors up there in the summertime and they trash the place. It affects the animals.”
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Edginton says they moved to Idaho in February to be closer to family.
She’s grateful her daughter can be part of what she feels is a great cause, and hopes to see her advance, and even win the tournament.
“It’s a good cause, plus it’s a learning experience,” says Edginton.
To vote for Cali or learn more, click here.
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